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Author: Robert Finch

  • Photo Post #37 | Stephen Harold Baker

    Photo Post #37 | Stephen Harold Baker

    Here is a photo of Stephen Harold Baker. He was my mother’s first cousin, the son of Edna Power and Mason Baker. I hadn’t seen a picture of him until my second cousin Joyce sent me this one. Sadly, Stephen died in a motorcycle accident on September 7, 1976. He was only 20 years old.

    It had to have been an incredibly trying time for my great aunt Edna (we called her Aunt Poode). Her father (my great grandfather) Earl Power had died the day earlier on September 6th. Within the span of just four days, she lost and buried both her father and her youngest son.

    Aunt Poode was certainly the most religious of her siblings as far as I can tell and recall. No doubt it was her faith that helped her through this difficult time.

    Stephen H Baker obituary, Halifax Chronicle Herald, Halifax, Nova Scotia, 9 September 1976, page 29.
    The Halifax Chronicle Herald, 8 September 1976, page 3.

  • Four Members of the Mitchell Family Lost in Halifax Explosion

    Four Members of the Mitchell Family Lost in Halifax Explosion

    December the Sixth is a sombre anniversary. On December 6, 1917, almost 1,800 people were killed and another 9,000 were injured in the Halifax Explosion. The catastrophic accident occured when two ships – the Mont-Blanc and the Imo – collided in the Halifax Harbour. The Mont-Blanc, carrying TNT on board, caught fire and ultimately exploded. The devastating blast was felt as far away as Cape Breton and Prince Edward Island.

    Among the dead were four members of the Mitchell family of Oyster Pond Jeddore. Lost were Mary “Minnie” (Dooks) Mitchell, wife of Colin Peter Mitchell, and three of their children: Reginald, Aletha, and Mary. They were living in Halifax at the time. In the days following the disaster Halifax newspapers ran lists of the victims as they were identified and buried. The Mitchell family appears on the list below (towards the bottom). They were buried at the St John’s Anglican Cemetery in Oyster Pond.

    Source: The Halifax Evening Mail, 24 December 1917, page 8.

    My Mom would always remind me of the Halifax Explosion on the anniversary of the disaster. She knew the story well. Let us remember all those who lost their lives on that fateful day many years ago.

  • Photo Post #36 | Thomas Edward Mills

    Photo Post #36 | Thomas Edward Mills

    To commemorate Remembrance Day, this week’s photo is of my great-grandfather Thomas Edward Mills.

    He was born on August 1, 1872 in Liverpool, England (his birth name was actually Albert), the son of Frederick Mills and Alice Lyon. The family lived at 17 Summer Seat.

    In the 1890s he immigrated to Nova Scotia and settled in the Shubenacadie/Gays River area where he met my great-grandmother Arabella (Mitchell) Greenough, who was teaching in the area at the time. They married in 1902 and had six children.

    My grandad Alan Mills was the youngest and was born in September 1915. At the time of his birth, his father was in Valcartier, Quebec having joined the 40th Batallion (Nova Scotia) Canadian Expeditionary Force earlier that year.

    On September 5, 1916, Thomas Edward Mills died in battle in France at the age of 44, having never met my grandad. He is buried at the Courcelette British Cemetery.

  • Alice (Baker) Power’s Diary: November 1947

    Alice (Baker) Power’s Diary: November 1947

    Now let’s see what’s going on down in East Jeddore in November 1947. Here is a transcription of my great grandmother Alice (Baker) Power’s diary for the month. Click here to view the original diary.

    NOVEMBER 1947

    Saturday November 1, 1947: 11 Bbl gas | Earls 11 Bbl of gas Earl + I down to Freds tonight

    Sunday November 2, 1947: We were up to Roses in the Boat a fine day

    Monday November 3, 1947: I cleaned over head and around the walls today

    Tuesday November 4, 1947: I papered the kitchen and am awfull tired tonight

    Wednesday November 5, 1947: I painted around the windows and mouldings

    Thursday November 6, 1947: I cleaned the inside cupboard and washed all Bureau scarfs

    Friday November 7, 1947: I cleaned up living room and Baked today

    Saturday November 8, 1947: God so loved the world that He gave his only Son Who’s ever believeth in him Shall have eternal life

    Sunday November 9, 1947: A Big wind and rain storm  Ralph + Pop here his evening

    Monday November 10, 1947: I washed not a very good drying day

    Tuesday November 11, 1947: Earl got a rabbit first this year. Ralph got his second deer

    Wednesday November 12, 1947: Jesus is the rock in a weary land. A shelter in the time of storm

    Thursday November 13, 1947: (The ink is faded; I can’t make out this entry. – RF)

    Friday November 14, 1947: Ralph + Elsie here for supper. A nice fine day

    Saturday November 15, 1947: Ralph + Elsie gone to Enfield for the week end Earl + I up to Ednas

    Sunday November 16, 1947: Earl + I alone Bud up to Oyster Pond for the week end

    Monday November 17, 1947: Earl + Bud got 3 Bbls Mackerl between them 21.50 a BBl

    Tuesday November 18, 1947: Steal away Steal away Steal away home to Jesus for I havent long to stay here

    Wednesday November 19, 1947: Earl outside and brought his nets home they had 3 Bbls this fall

    Thursday November 20, 1947: Earl outside never caught any fish Bud wasnt out

    Friday November 21, 1947: Ralph + Mason out side after Birds they got 11 Ralph gave us 2

    Saturday November 22, 1947: Ralph + Bud out side they got 18 dollars worth fish sold fresh

    Sunday November 23, 1947: Forgive my sins I do confess to thee And forgive my secret sins I do not see

    Monday November 24, 1947: I washed clothes never dryed froze on the line

    Tuesday November 25, 1947: What a friend we have in Jesus All our sins and griefs to bear

    Wednesday November 26, 1947: Ralph + Elsie here for supper. We were up to Ednas tonight

    Thursday November 27, 1947: If we walk with the Lord in the light of his word what a glory He sheds on the way

    Friday November 28, 1947: Earl out side alone got 12.75 Bud + Ralph out together got 18.00

    Saturday November 29, 1947: Alan Rose + family down this morning in the horse went home 2 oclock

    Sunday November 30, 1947: first snow storm this year I picked a bunch of flowers this AM

  • Photo Post #35 | Vansickle siblings & spouses

    Photo Post #35 | Vansickle siblings & spouses

    (L-R) Gordon & Edna (Vansickle) Wilson, Herbert & Hazel (Vansickle) Fair, Harley & Phyllis (Reed) Vansickle, Harris & Marie (Fonger) Vansickle, and Allan & Ella (Young) Vansickle

    Here is a photo of my great grandfather Allan Vansickle (back row on the right) along with his siblings and their spouses. My great grandmother Ella May Young is sitting in front of him.

    A note on the back of the photo indicates that the picture was taken at a Vansickle family picnic.

  • Alice (Baker) Power’s Diary: October 1947

    Alice (Baker) Power’s Diary: October 1947

    Now let’s see what’s going on down in East Jeddore in October 1947. Here is a transcription of my great grandmother Alice (Baker) Power’s diary for the month. Click here to view the original diary.

    Wednesday October 1, 1947: Snow Squalls | Bud was in town yesterday to see about his teeth

    Thursday October 2, 1947: Earl set a mackerel net. Fish scarce yet

    Friday October 3, 1947: Bud got a large sea drake up the head first this year

    Saturday October 4, 1947: Bud got his teeth Earl outside alone never got any thing

    Sunday October 5, 1947: Ralph out to the nets got 20 mackerel for Dad

    Monday October 6, 1947: I washed and & ironed put in a quilt this afternoon

    Tuesday October 7, 1947: Forgive my sins I have confessed to thee

    Wednesday October 8, 1947: 10 BBl gas | Earls 10 BBl of gas. I finished my quilt had it in three days

    Thursday October 9, 1947: Ralph sold the rest of his fish to Hall $310.77 He had $1121.44

    Friday October 10, 1947: Earl got a duck | Earl & Byd had 2 qtl fish today a fine N.W. wind

    Saturday October 11, 1947: Earl got a duck yesterday first one He shot this year Arthur got his car

    Sunday October 12, 1947: Edna & Doris here for dinner Fred here for supper. Ralph, Elsie, Mason & Edna here tonight

    Monday October 13, 1947: Earl had 65 mackerel 75 Herring. Bud set his nets Ralph had 3 qtl fish

    Tuesday October 14, 1947: Arthur & Bud gone in town in his car thunder & lightning this AM

    Wednesday October 15, 1947: Believe in the Lord And thou shall be saved

    Thursday October 16, 1947: leave the unknown future in the Masters hands

    Friday October 17, 1947: Earl got 1 BBl mackerel Bud got __ A lovely fine day

    Saturday October 18, 1947: Bud and Arth gone in town Earl & I down to Freds

    Sunday October 19, 1947: Mason & Edna here for dinner. Fred here for supper

    Monday October 20, 1947: I washed and ironed Bud got his ___ Ralph & Elsie here

    Tuesday October 21, 1947: Earl outside alone never got anything Now went back in the woods

    Wednesday October 22, 1947: Bill Perry brought us 2 bushel turnips one dollar a Bushel

    Thursday October 23, 1947: Earl & Bud had 1 qtl fish 35 mackerel Awful windy fall

    Friday October 24, 1947: Ralph & Elsie in town getting Ralphs teeth Arth & Bud in town

    Saturday October 25, 1947: Earl had 40 mackerel 28 fish sold Hall 67 dollars dry fish

    Sunday October 26, 1947: for all the Lord has done for me, I never will cease to praise him

    Monday October 27, 1947: I washed and ironed a poor drying day

    Tuesday October 28, 1947: Ralph & Elsie here for dinner Mason & Edna here tonight

    Wednesday October 29, 1947: I washed and cleaned up today fish & Bait scarce

    Thursday October 30, 1947: Edna & Mason here tonight. A lovely evening

    Friday October 31, 1947: Oh what peace often forfeit, oh what needless pain we bear

  • Alice (Baker) Power’s Diary: September 1947

    Alice (Baker) Power’s Diary: September 1947

    Now let’s see what’s going on down in East Jeddore in September 1947. Here is a transcription of my great grandmother Alice (Baker) Power’s diary for the month. Click here to view the original diary.

    Monday September 1, 1947: Hon, Baby, & Mrs Yates gone back on the bus tonight.

    Tuesday September 2, 1947: I washed and ironed today a fine warm day

    Wednesday September 3, 1947: Earl & I up to Rose’s in the Boat tonight. Mason & Edna here.

    Thursday September 4, 1947: I made Bread & Butter pickles and Bean relish. Earl & Bud had 1 qtl fish 1 BBl Herring.

    Friday September 5, 1947: Earl & Bud had 7 BBls Herring sold 12 hundred lbs fresh.

    Saturday September 6, 1947: Bud gone in town on the Bus this after noon they had 2 ½ BBls Herring

    Sunday September 7, 1947: Ralph & Elsie here for dinner. A lovely fine day

    Monday September 8, 1947: 9 BBl gas | Bud came home from town this morning Earl had 7 BBls Herring

    Tuesday September 9, 1947: Earl & Bud has 6 BBls Herring. A warm fine day

    Wednesday September 10, 1947: Earl & Bud sold Hall 5 hundred 80 lbs pickle fish Had $426.10

    Thursday September 11, 1947: Earl sold Will 6 qtl dry fish sold ___ 26 qtls dry

    Friday September 12, 1947: Trust and obey for there no other way to be happy in Jesus than to trust and obey.

    Saturday September 13, 1947: Earl & Bud not out side today. I had my work all done 10 oclock.

    Sunday September 14, 1947: Mason Edna & Doris here with Baby for dinner Manie & Wilson down Dr Wilsons.

    Monday September 15, 1947: A rain storm. We can use the pump now after being dry 2 mths (?)

    Tuesday September 16, 1947: Earl Elsie & I in town with Hughie Dooks took our radio in cost us 415 for 2 ___

    Wednesday September 17, 1947: Hons birthday. Hon is 22 married and has Buddy Ralph now a lovely Darling Baby

    Thursday September 18, 1947: Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted.

    Friday September 19, 1947: Oh what joy it will be when his face I behold living gems at his feet to lay down

    Saturday September 20, 1947: Earl sold last of the pickle fish to Hall this Saturday $618.00 has the pollack drying

    Sunday September 21, 1947: Bud went in town last night for his teeth Earl & I down to Freds

    Monday September 22, 1947: if we trust and never doubt, He will surely lead us out. Take your burdens to the Lord and leave them there

    Tuesday September 23, 1947: Bud came home with Berns truck this morning

    Wednesday September 24, 1947: I will cling to the old rugged cross And exchange it some day for a crown

    Thursday September 25, 1947: We sent the last of summer fish Will. $124.80

    Friday September 26, 1947: Earl got the small groceries down to Freds $40.00 Ralph brought it up

    Saturday September 27, 1947: Rock of ages cleft for me let me hide myself in thee

    Sunday September 28, 1947: Ralph got a deer | Alan, Rose & family here for tea. Ralph Elsie and Doris also

    Monday September 29, 1947: ice froze this am | Earl & Bud out fishing I am alone was up 4 AM a lovely day.

    Tuesday September 30, 1947: Earl & Bud made all together fishing $1459.38 so far.

  • Alice (Baker) Power’s Diary: August 1947

    Alice (Baker) Power’s Diary: August 1947

    Click here to view the original diary.

    Friday August 1, 1947: Earl, Pop, and I went in town for Hon 6 pm with Beve Henry.

    Saturday August 2, 1947: Anna here for supper. Bud gone in town for B__ Hopkins wedding.

    Sunday August 3, 1947: Fred here for dinner. A nice fine day. Ralph & Elsie here tonight.

    Monday August 4, 1947: I washed and Olive ironed. Hon not very well. Fish is scarce.

    Tuesday August 5, 1947: Hon up to Edna’s this afternoon. Doris Eileen gone in on the bus.

    Wednesday August 6, 1947: Saviour keep me pure in heart eve faithful true to thee.

    Thursday August 7, 1947: Olive and Robbie gone away to Kingston to work.

    Friday August 8, 1947: Hon cleaned upstairs. I did the living room. Washed and ironed.

    Saturday August 9, 1947: Earl & I down to Pearl’s and Fred’s. Bern came home on late bus.

    Sunday August 10, 1947: Hon, Bern, & baby, Earl and I up to Rose’s in the boat.

    Monday August 11, 1947: Bern, Hon, and baby gone in with Beve Henry 11 am.

    Tuesday August 12, 1947: I am alone again. Earl & Bud had 1 ½ qtl fish, 1 BBl of herring.

    Wednesday August 13, 1947: Our wells are dry. We get water from Ross Arnold’s.

    Thursday August 14, 1947: Rosie and Beulah came down with Ralph Jennex today.

    Friday August 15, 1947: Teach me all thy mind and will. May it be fulfilled in me.

    Saturday August 16, 1947: Rosie and Boots gone back with Ralph Jennex this morning.

    Sunday August 17, 1947: Earl and I down to Ralph’s tonight getting water to wash.

    Monday August 18, 1947: Earl’s 8 BBl of gas. A lovely drying day. I had a big wash.

    Tuesday August 19, 1947: Elsie, Edna, and I back on the bairns*. I got 2 qts.

    Wednesday August 20, 1947: Rosie and Beulah came down with Ralph Jennex.

    Thursday August 21, 1947: Blot out every sin Lord. Place your power with within Lord and I will follow thee.

    Friday August 22, 1947: Earl & Bud got 1 ½ qtl of fish, 1 BBl herring.

    Saturday August 23, 1947: Earl and I up to Edna’s tonight. Raining now 11 pm.

    Sunday August 24, 1947: Mason here tonight also Ralph, Elsie, and Pop.

    Monday August 25, 1947: Ralph’s birthdat. Earl & Bud got a 595 lb tuna. 6 ¢ a lb 33.50.

    Tuesday August 26, 1947: Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God.

    Wednesday August 27, 1947: Elsie and I on the bairns*. We got a gal each.

    Thursday August 28, 1947: Earl, Ralph, Elsie, and I on the bairns*. We got a gal each.

    Friday August 29, 1947: I washed & cleaned the living room, kitchen windows & floor.

    Saturday August 30, 1947: Hon, baby, & Mrs Yates came home on the late bus.

    Sunday August 31, 1947: Earl and Bud has 20 puncheons salted back sold 26 qtls dry.

    *Bairns most likely refers to barrens, an open area with low bush berries perhaps blueberries.

  • Photo Post #34 | Doris (Mills) Finch

    Photo Post #34 | Doris (Mills) Finch

    It’s hard to believe, but it’s been one year since Mom left this world for a better one. So, it’s only fitting that I share some photos of her.

    Mom was one of my biggest genealogy fans. She always enjoyed learning new information I discovered. She was also one my my best sources, helping me connect the dots and answer questions about ancestors long gone. I sure do miss her.

  • Alice (Baker) Power’s Diary: July 1947

    Alice (Baker) Power’s Diary: July 1947

    Tuesday July 1, 1947: Earl outside alone. He got 1 ½ qtl fish. Foggy for three days.

    Wednesday July 2, 1947: Earl not outside. Reg Baker here from Ostrea Lake.

    Thursday July 3, 1947: Earl & Bud out fishing. I thinned out turnips. Fog has cleared up.

    Friday July 4, 1947: I have perfect peace since I’ve learned to trust him more.

    Saturday July 5, 1947: Olive and Robbie came home on late bus. We went down to Fred’s.

    Sunday July 6, 1947: Elsie & Ralph, Pop & Arth here. Olive up to Edna’s this afternoon.

    Monday July 7, 1947: My Birthday 48 years. We will reap the deeds what we have done.

    Tuesday July 8, 1947: Earl’s 6 barrel of gas. Sold Hall 2 BBls of herring first sold this year.

    Wednesday July 9, 1947: Earl and I up to Pop’s and Edna’s. Roy Hopkins moved around the flowers.

    Thursday July 10, 1947: Olive and I up fixing up poor little Rob’s grave and Lyall’s.

    Friday July 11, 1947: Mackerel $13.73 to Hall’s. Cod oil 75 cents gal. Ralph got 6 qtl fish today. Bud & Earl got 2 qtl.

    Saturday July 12, 1947: Bud, Ralph and Elsie gone in town to see the circus tonight.

    Sunday July 13, 1947: Oh for a thousand tongues to sing my great redeemer’s praise.

    Monday July 14, 1947: Earl had 4 qtls. Bud had 5 qtls fish today.

    Tuesday July 15, 1947: Olive and I were up with Mr. __ Mitchell to the election today.

    Wednesday July 16, 1947: We had beet greens for dinner and Swiss chard first this year.

    Thursday July 17, 1947: Earl & Bud had 2 ¼ qtl fish today. Still foggy. Bait scarce.

    Friday July 18, 1947: Bread of Heaven feed me till I want no more.

    Saturday July 19, 1947: I had my b___ down and all cleaned up this morning.

    Sunday July 20, 1947: Fred, Edna & Mason here for a lunch tonight.

    Monday July 21, 1947: I washed clothes never dryed. Lights gone out for 24 hours.

    Tuesday July 22, 1947: Hon’s baby born 2 o’clock this afternoon. Bern called me.

    Wednesday July 23, 1947: I had a letter from Hon and one from Aunt Bertha.

    Thursday July 24, 1947: Earl & Bud had 3 qtl fish ½” BBl herring. Bud got a small halibut.

    Friday July 25, 1947: Let your lower lights be burning send a gleam across the wave.

    Saturday July 26, 1947: Earl & Bud had 2 ½ qtls 1 BBl herring. A nice fine day.

    Sunday July 27, 1947: Alan, Rose, and children here for tea. Ralph & Elsie & Pop here PM.

    Monday July 28, 1947: I washed and clothes dryed nice. Bud not out fishing has a sore neck.

    Tuesday July 29, 1947: Olive down to Ralph’s for dinner. Earl & Bud had 1 ¼” qtl 1 BBl herring.

    Wednesday July 30, 1947: Earl’s 7 BBl gas. Earl and Bud came home 7.30 only had 2 herring.

    Thursday July 31, 1947: Peace peace sweet peace. Wonderful gift from above.